Page 14 of My Destiny

“Thank you.”

“You have a good man there,” she says, flicking her head in Hot Stuff’s direction. I force a smile instead of replying. Unfortunately, he’s not mine. “He’s been waiting for hours, and anxious for your return.”

I see him stir in my peripheral vision, so I keep my attention focused on the nurse as she goes about her duties. I’m grateful he’s here, since my husband didn’t think I was important enough, but I’d be lying if I said this situation isn’t awkward. I barely know this man.

“I’ll be back in a few minutes with your pain medication,” the nurse says once she’s done.

“Thank you.” My eyes follow her as she leaves the room. I can’t bring myself to even look in his direction.

Seconds pass before he stands and makes his way towards the bed. “Hey,” he says, coming to a stop beside me.

“Oh, hi. I didn’t notice you sitting over there.” When a smile tugs at his lips, I know he knows that I’m lying.

“I just wanted to hang around and make sure you were okay. How are you feeling?” The tenderness in his voice causes my emotions to come flooding back to the surface. Turning my head away from him, I struggle to fight back the tears. “I’m sorry for everything you went through last night, Brooke,” he says, placing his hand on top of mine. Those words only make the tears fall faster. My bottom lip quivers as I try to remain composed and not completely break down in front of him. He lets go of my hand and walks back towards the chair, and I feel rude for snubbing him. But instead of taking a seat, he picks it up and moves it closer to the bed. Sitting, he places his hand on top of mine once more. “You don’t have to say anything. Just know that I’m here… I don’t want you to go through this alone.”

A strangled sob escapes me, and his fingers wrap around mine holding my hand tight. I have no words for this. Although my heart is completely broken, I’m deeply touched by his actions, and so grateful for his comfort.

The room is flooded with light when I open my eyes. I must’ve fallen asleep. Do you ever wake and for that first split second, as the bliss of slumber still remains, and life seems wonderful, but then reality hits, and your brief moment of serenity vanishes, as the world comes crashing down around you? That’s me in this instant. I gasp as memories of Jake and my baby hit me full force. I feel warmth from the hand wrapped around mine as the grip tightens.

Turning my head, I see Hot Stuff still sitting beside my bed. I can’t believe he’s still here. Dark circles have now formed underneath his striking green eyes, and a five o’clock shadow darkens his ridiculously handsome face. Is it wrong that I have the urge to reach out and run my fingers across his stubble?

“Morning,” he says.

“Good Morning.”

“How are you feeling?” he asks, as I try to sit up by myself. He lets go of my hand and stands to help me.

“A little tender,” I answer in a raspy voice, as he raises the head of the bed. “My mouth is so dry.”

“It’s probably from sleeping with it wide open. I’m guessing you caught a few flies.”

“What?” I screech as he tries in vain to suppress his grin.

“All that snoring probably didn’t help.”

“I do not snore.”

“I’m kidding.” He lets out a small laugh, and I can’t help but smile at his playfulness. “It’s really nice to see you smiling,” he says as his expression turns serious.

“Thank you for doing that, even though it was at my expense.”

“You’re welcome.” He exhales a large breath. “I’m sorry for making fun of you.”

“It’s okay.”

“You actually slept soundly.” His gaze moves down to the floor, as he runs his fingers through his hair. “Not that I sat here and watched you sleep.” Seeing how insecure he looks at this moment has my lips curving up once more. “I just meant the nurse came in a few times throughout the night to check your vitals, and you didn’t stir once.”

“Sure, that’s what you meant,” I say with amusement.

“It is.” When I let out a small laugh, he shakes his head and smiles. “Touché, Mrs. Johnston, touché.” I swallow a few times trying to get some moisture back in my mouth. “Would you like me to ask the nurse if you can have something to drink?”

“Please.”

Once he leaves, I lean back into my pillow and sigh as I stare up at the ceiling. I feel anxious about everything I’m going to have to face once I leave here. Things will be tough for a while, I know that, but in time it will work itself out. Life is funny like that.

“Nil by mouth until you see the doctor, I’m afraid,” he says, re-entering the room. “But the nurse said you can suck on some ice.” A triumphant smile covers his face as he holds up the plastic cup in his hand.

“Thank you.” Taking it from him, I slip a piece into my mouth.